Tag: customs

The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 said yesterday that its officers, while on routine patrol on the Okerete-Ododo bush path of the Oyo State and Benin Republic border axis, had intercepted six pump-action rifles.

The rifles’ numbers, according to the patrol team are as follows: 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916 and T051084.

Also intercepted were 1,125 pieces of live cartridges concealed in sacks containing garri (cassava flakes) and loaded in a Toyota Camry Saloon car.

Addressing reporters in Lagos, the Coordinator of the team, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, explained that since August 2019, the team had seized goods worth N36.7bn and intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants.

His words: “The former code-named “Operation Swift Response” was inaugurated on 20th August 2019 to address security challenges along the nation’s international borders caused by the proliferation of smuggled small and light weapons, illicit drugs, prohibited goods and other cross-border crimes.

“As the principal adviser to the President on national security, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates the management of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Nigerian Customs Service as the lead agency to ensure improved security at the nation’s border.

“The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 covers the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It specifically focuses on the border corridors with the neighbouring countries.”

He pointed out that “the doggedness and the sacrifice of JBPT Sector 2 in fighting cross-border crimes were instrumental in achieving some significant successes. This includes the seizure of goods worth a duty-paid value of over N36.7 billion and the interception of 1,507 irregular immigrants.”

The Sector’s efforts also boosted the Federal Government’s revenue through auction sales.

Read Also: PTML Customs hits record N44.9bn revenue in November

An aggregate of N1,140,162,562 was paid into the federation account from the sales of seized petroleum products.

The most recent of this kind of seizure, he said, “was on December 3, 2024 when a patrol team sighted a man running away from a stationed Toyota Camry Saloon car along the Okerete-Ododo bush path of Oyo State.

“The fleeing man’s action raised suspicion on the abandoned vehicle, and it was intercepted.

“After conducting a search on the vehicle, it was found to contain six pump-action rifles with the following numbers: 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084.

“A total of 1,125 pieces of live cartridges were found to be carefully concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes.”

Prominent among other seizures recorded from 20 August 2019 till date, he added, “are I, 130,954 bags of foreign bags of rice (50 kg) equivalent to 218 truckloads; 7,200 kg of pangolin scales; 5,575,020 litres of premium motor spirit (petrol); 11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products; 4,124 bales of used clothes; 4,057 kegs of vegetable oil; 15 pump action riffles; 280 suspected cases of human trafficking; 480 units of motor vehicles and 1,190 means of conveyance

“The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2 had encountered some operational challenges like any other establishment. However, these challenges were surmounted with the aid of collaboration with some critical stakeholders, developing innovative problem-solving skills, and commitment to effective leadership and management.

“At this juncture, I express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the officers and men of JBPT Sector 2 across the component security agencies, patriotic citizens and stakeholders for your unwavering commitment to fighting cross-border crimes.

“I am honoured to lead a courageous and determined team that is committed to the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, bravery and perseverance have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the team.

“The tireless efforts you made towards securing our borders by suppressing smuggling and the interception of illegal immigrants are not unnoticed.

“Thank you for demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and patriotism in the face of numerous challenges.

“To the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support towards the success of the Joint Border Patrol Team.”

Their leadership styles and logistics supply, he added, “are instrumental to our success story at suppressing cross-border crimes. We are grateful for the opportunity to work under your supervision,” he said.

The Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) achieved a historic revenue milestone, collecting N44.9 billion in November 2024—the highest monthly revenue in the command’s history.

Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of PTML, credited the record-breaking performance to the successful pilot implementation of the new customs trading platform, B’Odogwu. 

Speaking at a news conference, Daniyan revealed that the platform has already attracted over five banks, with plans underway to onboard 17 more through the Interswitch payment system.

He further disclosed that discussions with these additional banks are nearing completion and are expected to conclude by Thursday, paving the way for broader adoption of the innovative platform.

“This expansion will further enhance revenue collection and simplify payment processes for stakeholders,” Daniyan said.  

Responding to allegations of operational setbacks, including claims that four vessels were left unattended at the PTML berth due to B’Odogwu, Daniyan dismissed the reports as false.  

“We met with stakeholders earlier this week to address challenges faced by agents. The implementation team is on ground to provide support. Additionally, we’ve adopted manual processing where necessary to ensure trade facilitation while the platform stabilises,” he stated.  

The CAC clarified that many agents facing difficulties have not registered on the platform. He urged them to complete their registration to fully benefit from the system.  

Daniyan reiterated the command’s commitment to fully transition from the NICIS II platform, emphasising that there would be no return to the old system.  

“B’Odogwu is a Nigerian innovation. We are weaning our baby from a foreign mother, and I urge Nigerians to support it. We are solving challenges as they arise and are committed to perfecting the system here before extending it to Tin Can and other ports,” he said.  

Read Also: Customs intercepts 788kg of cannabis, hands over suspects to NDLEA

Highlighting the importance of compliance, Daniyan revealed that 292 bills of lading have been captured under B’Odogwu in November, with 375 still pending. He added that over 98 duties had been paid through the platform as of Wednesday.  

“Our turnaround time for properly declared RoRo cargo remains two hours, but this is dependent on compliance by the declarant. As a command, we will not compromise national security and revenue for trade facilitation,” he added.  

With more banks joining and the platform steadily gaining acceptance, Daniyan expressed optimism about the future of B’Odogwu. 

He underlined the NCS’s resolve to address teething issues and ensure the system delivers on its promise of enhanced trade efficiency and national revenue growth.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command on Tuesday, handed over three suspects and 1,658 loaves of cannabis sativa, weighing 788 kilograms, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

The seizures, alongside other confiscated contraband, had a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N182.1 million.  

The handover ceremony, held in Lagos, was presided over by Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command. 

Addressing journalists, Bamisaiye described the cannabis seizures as a result of three separate anti-smuggling operations conducted in November at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front.  

“These operations are in direct enforcement of provisions of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The seized cannabis sativa and arrested suspects will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution,” he said. 

In addition to the intercepted cannabis, the Western Marine Command reported other significant seizures during November including 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, seven bags of 50kg refined granulated foreign sugar, 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup and 900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).  

The rice and sugar were confiscated during separate operations at Point of No Return in Badagry and Panko Ere waterfronts. The codeine syrup, seized along the Yekeme-Joforo waterways, was handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).  

Read Also: Police nab two fake soldiers in full military camouflage

The intercepted PMS, Bamisaiye noted, had been disposed of in accordance with extant laws. He also highlighted the damaging effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy, particularly the trafficking of hard drugs.  

“Citizens must understand that smuggling is injurious to our economy and smuggling of hard drugs has even more devastating effect on our health and the economy,” Bamisaiye warned.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the waterways are free of economic saboteurs, urging citizens to support anti-smuggling efforts.  

The new NDLEA Commander for the Western Marine Command, Udoh Morrison, received the suspects and cannabis, commending the NCS for its diligence in combating drug trafficking.

Morrison expressed optimism about deepening the partnership between the NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies. He emphasised his agency’s ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, which had transferred 2.9 tonnes of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA since he assumed office.  

“We aim to foster mutual benefits through our cooperation with Customs and other stakeholders. To enhance our efficiency, we seek a dedicated operational space within the Western Marine Command,” Morrison added.  

Meanwhile, NAFDAC’s representative, Isha Salihu, lauded the NCS for its proactive measures in intercepting unwholesome food items and counterfeit drugs, pledging closer collaboration to curb illicit trade.  

Building materials sellers in Badagry and its environs have appealed to the Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi over the incessant impounding of their vehicles conveying iron and steel by Customs officials operating along Badagry and Seme border.

In a statement signed by their representative, John Whesu, te traders called on the CG to intervene as a matter of urgency before the situation degenerates into breakdown of law and order.

“The Custom boss should intervene to stop the incessant attack of buyers and sellers of Iron and steel products made in Nigeria around Badagry and its environs which is already impacting on socio economic development of the area.

“These products are made in Nigeria. They are not imported materials and their vehicles do not cross the border. They are operating within Badagry area.

“The Officer in Charge of Badagry and Semen border, E.D.Ashinze should as a matter of urgency call his men to order and stop them from deviating from their constitutional duties.

Read Also: Apapa Customs command rakes in N2.1tn in 2024

“The constitutional right and duties of the customs is to chase after imported and smuggled goods and not goods made in Nigeria.”

The statement noted that the harassment of its members ‘usually occur particularly at SAWA check point and other illegally set up checkpoints within the Badagry Local Government.”

“The attack is too much. We really need the intervention of the Comptroller of Customs.It should to come to our rescue. After several meetings of the association, it was resolved that the CG should be notified for immediate action” the statement stated.

The association however commended Ashinze for his efforts geared towards facilitating not only operational efficiency but also holistic betterment of border communities.

• Bags trade facilitation, overall best awards

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) raked in about N2.1 trillion into the Federal Government coffers in the outgoing year, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu has said. 

Olomu said that this represented a significant revenue collection increase since he assumed duty as the Area Controller of the Command. 

He disclosed this during the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Awards where the Apapa Port Command was recognised for its outstanding performance, receiving three prestigious awards in the areas of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall excellence.

The awards were presented to the Apapa Command during the 2024 CGC Awards Night, underscoring its pivotal role in enhancing trade efficiency and boosting government revenue.

At the event, Olomu also emerged as the Best Customs Area Controller of the Year. 

Olomu was reputed to have set up a revenue recovery committee to address leakages, especially in bonded terminals. 

He also established a team to address complaints and disputes.

Read Also: Customs confiscates Cameroon-bound 71,965 litres of petrol

Olomu said: “We sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the NCS for this recognition. It’s a testament to the teamwork and dedication of the officers and men of the command. I also thank our stakeholders for their high compliance level, which significantly contributed to the 2.1 trillion naira credited to the command.”

He assured the CGC of the command’s unwavering commitment to surpassing expectations.

He added: “This award is a tonic for us to do better. The three awards for trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall best command and area controller, will only motivate us further. For 2025, once targets are assigned, we are confident of surpassing them because trade facilitation is key to revenue generation. 

“By simplifying procedures and ensuring compliance, we will continue to support stakeholders and sister agencies to generate greater revenue for the government.”

Dr. Olomu urged Nigerian businessmen and women to take advantage of the ease-of-doing-business initiative at Apapa Port. 

He highlighted the simplified procedures implemented under the CGC’s modernisation regime to ensure seamless trade processes.

“We invite more businesses to leverage the facilities and initiatives at Apapa Port. Our commitment remains unwavering in ensuring efficient trade facilitation and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth,” he concluded.

Speaking during the awards presentation in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, described the event as a celebration of excellence that transcended routine achievements.

Adeniyi said: “It is about exceeding expectations, showing dedication to the country, and demonstrating exceptional commitment to our nation’s interests. Tonight, we gather to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have exemplified these qualities and more.”

He further emphasised a strategic shift in organisational culture, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on punitive measures to recognising exceptional service and celebrating excellence.

He added: “This strategic shift springs from our belief that positive reinforcement nurtures a more dynamic, motivated, and high-performing workforce.”